Question

A)Please mention and describe btoh sigma factors found in Prokaryotes. How do they differ from each other (thier differences)? What do esch sigma factors regulate? B)Can we find both types of sigma factors in a sigle cell? Can they have more than one sigma factor of the same family? Explain detailed.

Answer 1

A) There are multiple sigma factors in bacteria, they are not only 2 of them, they are classified by their molecular weight and by their specific function. In general the sigma factors are proteins with a crucial function for gene expression, since they play a major role in transcription initiation. They attach to the polymerase forming the so called holoenzyme. Specific sigma factors with specific molecular weights will work to express specific genes in the bacterial genome.

B) Yes, since each sigma factor works to express different genes in the genome they coexist to produce a functional bacterial gene expression. Many sigma factors belonging to the same family can be found in a single bacterial cell, since they tend to be very specific for certain genes in the genome, thus acomplishing different functions.